Preliminary Interview Guide and Resources

 

This page includes important information for minor's referred to the juvenile court and their parent/guardian/custodian. Please review the entire page. Reviewing all of the information will help make the intake process much smoother. 

  • Encrypted Email - A probation officer will send information about the minor's referral through encrypted email.  It is important that probation keep this information safe. The following links will give you tips on opening these encrypted emails: Instructions for Recipient (PDF) and Instructions for Recipient (video).                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
  • Paperwork - There will be required paperwork to complete before the scheduled meeting with a probation officer.  The juvenile court uses a website called MyCase to share court documents with you.  You need a special PIN to log in to MyCase.  You should have received the PIN in the encrypted email.  If you do not have a PIN, please reach out to the assigned probation officer.  Please login to MyCase and complete the following paperwork: Notice and Acknowledgement of the Minor's Legal Rights, Family Size/Income Statement, and Declaration of Information.  The following link will give you tips on using MyCase: How to Use Juvenile MyCase - Family Guide.                                                                                                                                                             
  • Survey Consent Form - We would like to hear from you on what could be better and what works well.  There is a survey that can be sent to you via text with your consent given through the MyCase website.  We encourage you to complete this survey as well.                                                                       
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQ) - You probably have many questions. Below (Preliminary Inquiry (PI) FAQ) you will find questions and answers to commonly asked questions. Please feel free to contact the assigned probation officer as well with questions. 

What can we expect from this appointment?

You will be meeting with a probation officer for what is called a preliminary inquiry (PI).  During this meeting, a probation officer will explain the juvenile court process, review your legal rights, and do a risk assessment and a brief mental health screening called the MAYSI-2. This meeting will help the probation officer to determine the next steps in the case.

 

Do I need a lawyer?  

Probation officers are not allowed to give you legal advice about having a lawyer. You are welcome to have a lawyer during meetings with probation or at any time during your case.

 

What is a Nonjudicial Adjustment?  

Utah law directs that some cases must be handled by the probation department without a judge. This is called a nonjudicial adjustment, which is an agreement between the Probation Officer and the youth. The youth may be asked to do any of the following as part of the agreement, such as: community service hours, pay a fine, pay back a victim (restitution), go to a class, and/or work with probation to set goals and practice skills.  

 

What happens if my case goes to court?  

Some cases may need to be handled by a judge in court. Your probation officer will meet with you, explain the court process, write a report, and make recommendations to the judge. You will be given a lawyer if your case goes to court. The judge makes orders specific to your case.

 

Why is a risk assessment important?

Risk assessments look at things that happened in the past and things that are happening in your life now (social information). This includes your home life, school, friends, family history, and other things. The Juvenile Court uses assessments to find the best ways to help youth. 

 

Why is a mental health screening important?

Many youth have mental health needs.  Mental health screening tools help families learn if the youth has unknown mental health needs. The Juvenile Court uses mental health screenings to connect youth with help in the community if needed.

 

For more information about the MAYSI-2 Mental Health Screening Tool, click here.

 

Back to Top